The suspension stems from a March 2010 incident in Milledgeville, Georgia, in which Roethlisberger was accused of sexually assaulting a college student at a nightclub. He was not charged in that case, but the league took its own disciplinary action. If the suspension is reduced, Roethlisberger would be eligible to play in the Steelers October 17 game against Cleveland. He's currently slated to be out until a Halloween matchup with the New Orleans Saints.

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Goodell has praised the quarterback's efforts at reforming his life in advance of their sit down.

"I'm very encouraged by what's he's doing," Goodell said. "I'll take the period of time that I have before making the decision and make it probably right before the regular season."

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Roethlisberger played briefly in the Steelers next to last pre-season game against the Denver Broncos, going 4 for 6 for 67 yards.

The two-time Super Bowl winner is no stranger to off the field controversy. In 2006, Roethlisberger was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in which he was not wearing a helmet. He also was accused in 2008 of sexual assault while in Lake Tahoe for a celebrity golf tournament.